15-year-old Britain’s Got Talent star sued by his own father

Britain’s Got Talent duo Bars and Melody appeared on the show back in 2014 and went on to chart at number four with their debut album.

Now the father of 15-year-old band member Leondre Devries has said he wrote the group’s song ‘Hopeful’ – which went on to have 47 million views on YouTube.

Music promoter Antonio Devries told The Mirror that both his son Leondre and his fellow band member Charlie Leneham, 17, are being “exploited and overworked”.

His son was living with him until he struck success on Britain’s Got Talent and has since moved in with his mother.

“I wrote Hopeful and it is a story of the struggles I’ve faced in my life and that gave the group international fame.

“We have started legal action and their management have comeback at me saying the group wrote ‘Hopeful’, but it was me.

“When the success came I was pushed out, but I’m the one who started Bars and Melody. I was the one taking them to London every week so they could busk and get their music out there. I feel the kids are being exploited and are being overworked.

“I don’t have any issues with Bars and Melody, it is the management, and it has caused problems.”

A spokesperson for the group said: “Bars and Melody are very happy with their management team and do not feel overworked or exploited.

“They love their work and they are very grateful for the ongoing love and support they receive from their fans.

“Bars and Melody are sorry to hear that legal action is being threatened and they hope it will resolved quickly and amicably.”